Mt Waverley to Richmond via Oakleigh

Ride on 3 January 2019

There were nine starters last Thursday. Our route, pioneered by one of leaders, Bob, has lovely shaded paths and is a wonderful summer ride. 

We wended our way down the unmade trail through Valley Reserve to pick up Scotchmans Creek Trail where it was easy riding to reach our turnoff to Oakleigh. 

Hmmm, did I hear the words, "there is a hill on this road"? Yes indeed there was, but it could not have been too bad as each and every one of us made it up to the top. Then, with Oakleigh shopping centre in sight, we whizzed downhill anxious to find Nikos cakes. 

Aah, Nikos Cakes! The delightful array of goodies on display tempted almost all of us. As well as coffee, there was shopping for those so inclined. At least one bike groaned under a load of nuts and tomatoes. 

We then left on the final part of our ride. Oh joy and celebration! The alterations at Hughesdale have been completed and we no longer need to ride up Poath Rd across the railway tracks. Instead we used the new bike road crossing and bike trail before turning right under the sky rail straight onto the bike path heading north towards Dandenong Rd and the Urban Forest.  

Most of us chose to continue along Gardners Creek Trail. More shade and more fun riding took us to Richmond where we split into smaller groups to ride home.

Penny.

Reservoir to Rushall via Two Lakes

Ride on Friday 28th December 2018

Coburg Lake

Eight keen OYBers decided to brave the heat and go on last Friday's ride. We arrived at Reservoir Station to find that the wind was already picking up. On the plus side – it was a tail wind. On the minus side – it was a hot wind. In fact, the BOM got the timing wrong and the temperatures increased more quickly than expected. Oh well!

We rode to Edwardes Lake and up Edgars Creek before crossing over to the Merri Creek trail and Coburg Lake. The lakes were worth viewing and the water birds were out in force including some rather cute cygnets. One advantage of the Merri Creek trail is that it is shady and those weeping willows certainly provide deep shade and have a cooling affect. 

Eventually we arrived at Harding Street and headed over to Zataar's for coffee, cakes and the usual amusing conversation. Oh, and the wiping of sweat from our brows. 

We split into various groups at this stage, continuing down the Merri Creek, catching the train home, or down the Upfield Trail. From the Upfield Trail two went over to Moonee Ponds, one to Rushall and the last two continued down the Capital City Trail to Docklands. By now there was quite a bit of cloud cover and just after we hit the city there was a cool change. Yay!! 

Thanks to those who came. Your companionship was the highlight of this ride.

You will find this ride at Edwardes and Coburg Lakes.

Penny